Industry Watch - July 2013

People News

Kerry Shimada of Arcadian Services passes away

Dan Blessing, president of Arcadian, wrote in an email that Shimada was known in virtually every circle of the carwash industry, having served over 25 years as a wash owner and then as a service provider.

Shimada, who lived in Utah, owned his own wash for more than 14 years and continued to help other wash owners with his knowledge and experience, Blessing wrote.

9-"Kerry's gentle demeanor, integrity, commitment to his family, friends and customers was an example to everyone," Blessing added. "Our prayer's and thoughts are with the Shimada family during this very difficult time."

We here at Professional Carwashing & Detailing are saddened to report on the passing of Lucian Grant "Mac" McElroy, the founder of Provo-Vest, Inc., of Glendale, AZ.

McElroy, who died in a car crash yesterday, was 86. Born October 20, 1926, McElroy was a long-time friend of Sonny Fazio who passed away in April. The accompanying photo is of McElroy and Sonny.

Sonny's son, Paul, has released the following statement on the passing of McElroy.

"It was a great shock for us today to learn of the passing of Lucian Grant “Mac” McElroy, the founder of Proto-Vest, Inc. Mac lost his life as a result of a car accident on May 8, 2013. Mac was one of those old school guys whose handshake was all you needed to seal a deal. Personally that is exactly how I routinely did business with Mac. He was a true inventor having a multitude of patents credited to him for things he had designed over the years. He and my father had a running joke in that Mac was eight days older than dad so he demanded that Sonny respect him as his elder. They routinely sent each other birthday cards each year - some humorous, some serious, and some that touched on some deeply personal topics that only guys from their generation and with so much history could discuss. I am so fortunate to have gotten a chance to see Mac at the show in Las Vegas a few weeks ago and tell him I love him and get another hug from him. I never would have believed it would be my last."

Proto-Vest has posted the following message on its website: We are saddened by the sudden loss of Mac, the founder and CEO of Proto-Vest Inc.
Even at the age of 86, Mac was a vivacious leader with a passion for life. He celebrated innovation and worked with an ethic that very few can achieve.
Proto-Vest will strive to uphold the dedication and reliability that Mac was known for, so that we can honor him by continuing to deliver superior products that customers can depend on. Here's to a life well lived. Mac, you were one of a kind.

For more on Lucian “Mac” McElroy, turn to page XX.

Coleman Hanna announces personnel changes

HOUSTON — Jean de Negri, Ted Winchester, and Wayne Smith have all been named to key positions at Coleman Hanna, according to a company press release.

The May 24 press release stated that Negri will serve as international sales manager, Winchester will be vice president of sales and marketing, and Smith will serve as vice president of national accounts and distributor development.

Negri, who speaks five languanges, "has an extensive history working with diverse people from all over the world," the press release stated.

Winchester, who has been involved in the carwash industry for more than 40 years, is "a strong leader and will be a great fit for our sales and marketing team," according to the press release.

And Smith, who has almost 40 years of sales experience within the petroleum industry, previously worked for Hanna-Sherman. "Wayne is a very motivational and inspirational leader and avid self-starter making him an exemplary choice for VP of national accounts and distributor development," stated the press release.

Last October, it was announced that Ed O’Hanrahan of Galloway Chemical Division acquired Jim Coleman Company/Hanna. The companies joined forces under the leadership of O’Hanrahan and Russell Coleman. The new company was named Coleman Hanna Carwash Systems LLC.

Association News

NYSCWA embarks on springtime tour

ROCHESTER, NY — The New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA) visited Rochester, NY, last Tuesday, May 14, for its Spring Membership Meeting & Carwash Tour, a press release reported.

Hors d'oeuvres and a buffet dinner were also included, as well as a panel discussion. President Walt Hartl said they touched on such topics as the impending minimun wage as well as energy-saving tips.

The meeting and tour were sponsored by Simoniz USA, Micrologic, McNeil Insurance and DRB Systems, Inc.

Company News

Delta Kits unveils new website

EUGENE, OR — Delta Kits, a supplier of windshield repair and headlight restoration equipment, has launched a new version of its website, DeltaKits.com, a press release reported.

The May 21 press release stated that the "dramatically redesigned website embodies Delta Kits’ forward-thinking vision and commitment to the growing needs of its customers."

The site features a new shopping cart, customer product reviews and a variety of delivery options.

“We are receiving rave reviews from first time visitors and regular shoppers alike", President Brent Deines stated in the press release.. "Visitors are very excited about the new features and lower cost shipping options."

The press release stated that Car Care Station will vend products such as RainX, ArmorAll, Blue Coral, and Black Magic in its machines.

Car Care Station's machines are called "spray vending machines" and are offered worldwide.

Ryko spends $3M on factory improvements

GRIMES, IA — Ryko Solutions, Inc. has spent more than $3 million on improvements to its factory in order to keep up with its unprecedented growth, a press release reported.

The May 20 press release stated that Ryko, which bought MacNeil Car Wash Systems in April, saw its first quarter sales up 17 percent and carwash machine orders up 21 percent (year-to-date through April).

The press release quoted CEO Steven A. L'Heureux who noted, “Our priority in adopting new technology is to rapidly scale our production facilities to accommodate the increased demand we are seeing for our Ryko products as well as the related parts required for Ryko roll-over and MacNeil conveyor systems. A key benefit of our investment has been the opportunity to support MacNeil’s production facility in Barrie, Canada by manufacturing parts for their line of conveyor products thus improving product quality and providing faster delivery of spare parts to our MacNeil distributors and customers.”

Washworld adds Ireland-based distributor

The May 15 press release stated Washwell is owned by Leighton and Sandra Ricketts, who "pioneered the use of touch-free carwashing in Ireland and have been selling carwash equipment since 2001."

Washwell also owns and operates carwash sites.

PumpScout Partners teams with Arimitsu of North America

Tacoma, WA — PumpScout Partners, has partnered with Arimitsu of North America, which is based in Minnesota, a press release reported.

The April 30 press release quoted Justin J. Johnson, CEO and co-founder of PumpScout, who stated, “This partnership makes it easy for thousands of pump buyers using PumpScout.com to get product quotes from one of the country’s leading plunger and triplex pump suppliers."

Gary Geiken, marketing director at Arimitsu of North America, says that the company is excited about the partnership and to be able to introduce their products to more potential customers.

“We’re anticipating new opportunities and sales leads for single pump units and larger OEM projects," Geiken stated in the press release.